Catching Sunlight in a Vase

what is joy? catching sunlight in a vase a heavy syrup, dripping from the glass to the honey oak floors “Keep it outside!” but the kids drag it back sticking to their socks, soaking the carpeted stairs

hoverflies passed out drunk in the Dandelion as they stagger from bar to bar the Rosebush, the Iris, the Buttercup it’s no problem, everyone sees the contentment in their heavy eyelids

butterflies on the iron rail, fluttering pallid wings not sure what to do with the new monarch— he came the first week of March—whose kingly stature and colored robes mean changes are coming

birds trim the ends of the children’s window screen jagged snips for an avant garde style sweeping the wiry hairs to bring home to their nests and crochet into a silver blanket

what is joy? another day’s come work or play? no matter! daylight overstays her welcome lingering, last to leave afternoon tea at half past seven

| Abigail Mills